Official Newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia
INDONESIA AWAITS
FINAL COUNTDOWN TO 18TH ASIAN GAMES
OCA visits DPR Korea OCA/Olympic Solidarity Regional Forum OCA President in Central Asia OCA Fun Run Schedule
Edition 41 - June 2018
Contents
Inside Sporting Asia 41 – June 2018
3
OCA President’s Message
9
4–6
News in Pictures
7
Sporting Asia is the official newsletter of the Olympic Council of Asia, published quarterly. Executive Editor / Director General Husain Al-Musallam husain@ocasia.org
IOC President visits Thailand and India
8–9
Olympic Solidarity/OCA Regional Forum in Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia
12
10 – 14
Inside the OCA
10 – 11
Director, Int’l & NOC Relations Vinod Tiwari vinod@ocasia.org Director, Asian Games Department Haider A. Farman haider@ocasia.org Editor Jeremy Walker jeremy@ocasia.org
Sheikh Ahmad tours Central Asia
12 – 13
9th OCA Coordination Committee meeting in Jakarta
14
OCA Advisory Committee, Sports and Environment Award
15
15 – 22
Welcome to the 18th Asian Games 2018!
23
OCA 18th Asian Games Fun Run Schedule
Executive Secretary Nayaf Sraj nayaf@ocasia.org Olympic Council of Asia PO Box 6706, Hawalli Zip Code 32042 Kuwait Telephone: +965 22274277 - 88 Fax: +965 22274280 - 90 Email: info@ocasia.org Website: www.ocasia.org
24 – 27
OCA in DPR Korea
28 – 31
23
NOC Elections and General Assembly news
32 – 33
Women in Sport
34
Asia’s Olympic Era: Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022
35
Obituary
24 Page 02
36
OCA Diary, Sponsors’ Club
Front cover: The President of the Indonesia Asian Games Organising Committee, Mr Erick Thohir, stands with mascot Atung the deer at INASGOC HQ in Senayan, Jakarta.
President’s Message
OUR 18TH ASIAN GAMES WILL DISPLAY THE UNITY AND SOLIDARITY OF OLYMPIC SPORTS MOVEMENT
T he Olympic Council of Asia’s showpiece event, the Asian Games, is almost upon us once again as we prepare for the 18th edition in Indonesia. For the OCA it will be another landmark occasion in the proud history of the Asian Games, as it will be the first time we have had two co-host cities. Jakarta, which hosted the 4th Asian Games in 1962, will be joined this time by Palembang, capital of South Sumatra province located 1,000km away, or a onehour flight from Jakarta. Palembang already has rich experience of organising international multi-sport games at the Jakabaring Sports City, notably the South East Asian Games in 2011. We have every confidence that Palembang will step up to the plate and deliver another memorable event in terms of competition venues, Athletes’ Village and hotels and transportation in the city. As well as Palembang, the 18th Asian Games will have three other venue clusters, most notably the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex in Senayan in the heart of the capital. GBK, as the complex is known locally with a great deal of pride and affection, has undergone a rapid and dramatic transformation to provide modern, world-class venues for the athletes, officials and spectators alike. The rise of the new Aquatics Centre has been particularly impressive and captures the essence of the 18th Asian Games slogan – “Energy of Asia”. Truly it has shown the energy, commitment and determination of Indonesia in staging an unforgettable event. We are very proud of our Asian Games in the OCA. They have enjoyed an unbroken sequence since 1951, despite all the conflicts around the continent in this time, and provided a platform for the youth of Asia to come together in an environment of peace, tolerance and respect. The success story goes back even further, however, as the roots of the Asian Games can be traced to 1913 – the first Far Eastern Games in Manila. With a 105-year history of international, multi-sport games in Asia, Jakarta-Palembang 2018 will continue to build on this legacy and once again show the unity and solidarity of the Olympic sports movement across our vast continent. See you at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta-Palembang 2018!
Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah President, Olympic Council of Asia President, Association of National Olympic Committees Chairman, IOC Olympic Solidarity Commission
Page 03
News in Pictures
MONGOLIA-UKRAINE COOPERATION: Mongolia NOC invited two eminent sports professors from Ukraine - Vladimir Platonov and Maria Bulatova - as keynote speakers for a seminar on “Olympism and Olympic Education” and “Theory and Methods of Sport Preparation” in Ulaanbaatar. More than 100 university teachers, coaches and physical education officials took part from Inner Mongolia, China and Russia.
OLYMPIC DAY IN VIETNAM: Vietnam NOC held Youth Olympic Day at Binh Yen High School in Dinh Hoa district, Thai Nguyen province, on June 17, in coordination with the People’s Committee of Dinh Hoa district. More than 500 students aged 16 to 18 took part in a series of fun activities.
SPORTS MEDIA IN KAZAKHSTAN: Astana hosted a two-day media and marketing seminar on April 23-24 which included a media workshop organised by Kazakhstan NOC in cooperation with Olympic Solidarity. Over 200 people from sports media, marketing and communications took part.
JORDAN NOC LAUNCHES SCHOOLS PROGRAMME: Jordan NOC launched the second phase of its Sporting Schools Programme in two schools in Amman focusing on the Olympic Values and Education Programme (OVEP). The programme, which began in 2017, aims to use the power of sport and education to motivate young Jordanians to practise sport, improve their skills and lead a healthier and more active lifestyle. (www.joc.jo). Page 04
News in Pictures
PING PONG SOLIDARITY: To celebrate the creation of the International Table Tennis Federation Foundation, which aims to build solidarity through table tennis, athletes from Korea and DPR Korea played an exhibition doubles match in Halmstad, Sweden, on the sidelines of the ITTF AGM. (www.ittf.com)
SHIVA’S SPECIAL DAY: India’s “one in a billion” – six-time Winter Olympic luger Shiva Keshavan – was greeted by IOC President Thomas Bach at the IOC HQ in Lausanne, Switzerland. Shiva is a member of the Athletes’ Commission of the Indian Olympic Association. (Photo: IOC)
OLYMPIC DAY CELEBRATION: Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee held its Olympic Day Run on May 5 in Yilan with the participation of 2,603 local and international runners in 21km and 10km races. (www.tpenoc.net) Page 05
News in Pictures
SPORTS FESTIVAL IN HONG KONG, CHINA: Organised by the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China, in association with the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, the Samsung 61st Festival of Sport Opening Ceremony was held on April 7 at Kowloon Park. Around 80 sports were promoted to the public with a “Sport for All� concept during the two-month festival, with the support of 60 sports associations.
MALDIVES ATHLETES RECEIVE OLYMPIC SCHOLARSHIPS: The Maldives Olympic Committee presented Tokyo 2020 Athlete Scholarship Certificates to Aishath Sajina (swimming), Mohamed Naail (athletics), Mubal Azzzam (swimming) and Hussain Areef (surfing) during the MOC annual meeting.
OH BABY: Bahrain NOC organised the first Bahrain Baby Olympics for 1,200 children aged from 3-5 years from 66 nurseries and kindergartens. The four sports were athletics, gymnastics, basketball and football.
JAPAN TEAMS UP WITH SENEGAL: The NOCs of Japan and Senegal signed a partnership agreement in Tokyo on March 16 through their respective presidents, IOC Members Tsunekazu Takeda and Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye. Japan NOC has now signed agreements with 43 NOCs. (www.joc.or.jp).
SINGAPORE SELECTS CDM: Singapore NOC has announced that three-time Olympic shooter Lee Wung Yew (left) will be Chef de Mission at the 18th Asian Games in August. Former national rugby player Mohammad Azhar bin Yusof (right) and fencer Ruth Ng (second from right) will be Deputy CDM. The CDM for the Buenos Aires YOG in October is Olympic swimmer Tao Li (second from left).
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News in Pictures
IOC President visits Thailand, India Photos: IOC/Greg Martin
The IOC President visited the Sports Authority of Thailand and met a number of leading Thai athletes and teams training for upcoming events. IOC Member Patama Leeswadtrakul accompanied the IOC President throughout his visit in Bangkok.
IOC President Thomas Bach meets Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at Government House in Bangkok. Thailand expressed its interest in hosting the 2026 Youth Olympic Games. President Bach also held talks with Thailand NOC President Prawit Wongsuwon in the presence of IOC Member Nat Indrapana.
President Bach began his trip to India in New Delhi and a meeting with the President of the Indian Olympic Association, Narinder Dhruv Batra. They spoke about a possible candidature of India to host the 2026 YOG in Mumbai and a strong interest in the Olympic Games 2032.
After New Delhi, President Bach flew to Mumbai to meet Indian athletes and see educational and sporting projects in the city. He was accompanied by IOC Member Nita Ambani and, throughout the trip to India, by the OCA President, Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah. Page 07
Olympic Solidarity/OCA Regional Forum
KYRGYZSTAN, CAMBODIA REGI PREPARATIONS FOR 18TH ASIA
T
he capital cities of Kyrgyzstan and Cambodia played host to the annual Olympic Solidarity/OCA Regional Forum for 2018.
Sheikh Ahmad greets the Children of Asia Winter Games 2019 delegates in Bishkek.
Bishkek was up first, welcoming delegates from 20 West and Central Asian NOCs as well as from the IOC’s Olympic Solidarity department, OCA, organising committees of upcoming games and other stakeholders from May 2-3. From Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia to Cambodia in South East Asia, where the forum for 25 South, South East and East Asian NOCs took place at the Sokha Phnom Penh Hotel on the banks of the famous Mekong River from May 6-7.
Group photo at Bishkek for NOCs from West and Central Asia.
The OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, opened the forum in Bishkek at the end of his Central Asian tour, and the Deputy Prime Minister of Cambodia, HE General Ke Kimyan, opened the Phnom Penh meeting. With the Tokyo Olympics just a little over two years away, the NOCs were briefed on a variety of aspects of preparation. This also applied to the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia this summer, as representatives of organising committee INASGOC conducted the pre-Delegation Registration Meetings of the NOCs in order to smooth the logistics of such a huge sports gathering.
The INASGOC delegation enjoys Kyrgyz hospitality. Page 08
Olympic Solidarity/OCA Regional Forum
EGIONAL FORUMS FOCUS ON ASIAN GAMES, TOKYO 2020 There were other interesting presentations, too, notably from Sri Lanka NOC involving their innovative OVEP (Olympic Values Education Programme) Debater 2017 Project for a total of 60 students from 10 schools each in Colombo and Kandy.
The Sokha Hotel, venue for the forum, can be seen in the background.
Planning for the project began in 2012 and the debate attracted national TV coverage. The message was that the Olympic ideals and values can, through debate, be used as a tool to educate people and make Olympism a way of life. There was also an update from the organisers of the 1st Winter Children of Asia International Sports Games, which will be held in Sakhalin, Russian Federation, from February 9-16, 2019. There will be eight sports in six venues, and the athletes must be 16 years and under and born after February 17, 2002.
The Cambodia forum included a visit to the new Morodok (Treasure) Techo National Sports Complex being built for the 2023 SEA Games in Phnom Penh.
Although the Children of Asia Games is not in the OCA’s multi-sport games portfolio, the organisation is endorsed and supported by the OCA and many Asian NOCs are expected to attend. The deadline for entry is October 1, 2018 at www.cagic.org. At the end of the forum, Olympic Solidarity’s Continental Manager for Asia, Mr Olivier Niamkey, praised the NOCs for sharing their experiences and information and learning from each other. Incense sticks burn at the Wat Phnom Historical Site on the city tour for delegates. Page 09
Inside the OCA
Sheikh Ahmad in Central Asia
SHEIKH AHMAD VISITS FIVE NOCS ON SIX-DAY TOUR
T
he OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, conducted a six-day tour of Central Asia from April 27 to May 2.
There were five stops on his busy agenda, starting with Turkmenistan and continuing with Uzbekistan, Iran and Tajikistan before ending with Kyrgyzstan. Here are the highlights of the tour: Turkmenistan, April 27 - 28: The OCA President met with HE Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of the Republic and of the NOC, and discussed the great success and sporting and social legacy of the 5th Asian Indoor & Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat last September. Uzbekistan, April 28 - 29: Sheikh Ahmad met with the President of the Uzbekistan NOC and Sports Minister, Umid Akhmatdjanov, at the NOC HQ in Tashkent. President Akhmatdjanov expressed the country’s interest in hosting a future OCA General Assembly.
Iran, April 29 - 30: The OCA President met with the Iranian NOC President, Dr Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri, and the Iranian Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Masoud Soltanifar, in Tehran. N.O.C.I.R.IRAN Sheikh Ahmad also visited the Iran Olympic Academy where he met with members of the NOC, Sports Ministry and National Federation Presidents. Tajikistan, April 30 - May 1: The OCA President met Dr. Abdullozoda Rustam, Tajikistan Sports Minister and NOC Vice President, and Olympic medal-winning athletes Dilshod Nazarov (gold in 2016) and Mavzuna Chorieva (bronze in 2012). Sheikh Ahmad also visited the Olympasia project which has training facilities for four sports football, basketball, volleyball and athletics. Kyrgyzstan, May 1 - 2: Sheikh Ahmad opened the Olympic Solidarity/OCA Regional Forum. He also met with the President of Kyrgyzstan NOC, Charnpink Abdulkarim, and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Kenneth Aman Kulov, as well as with the Presidents of National Federations. He congratulated them, and the government, on the work they have done in developing sport in the country.
Sheikh Ahmad relaxes with a very sporty-looking Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Turkmenistan and the NOC. Page 10
Inside the OCA
Sheikh Ahmad in Central Asia
‘ It is always a great pleasure to visit NOCs and see first-hand the excellent work they are doing in promoting Olympism in their countries. I was very encouraged by the meetings I had with NOC delegates over the last six days and to hear of their plans for the future. The OCA is committed to ensuring it provides the highest level of support to all its NOCs. Together we can use sport as a vehicle to unite the Asian region and create a more harmonious future. ‘
Sheikh Ahmad with Tajikistan NOC Vice President and Sports Minister Dr. Abdullozoda Rustam (right) and hammer thrower Dilshod Nazarov, who won Tajikistan’s first ever Olympic gold medal at Rio 2016.
The President of Uzbekistan NOC, Sports Minister Umid Akhmatdjanov, greets the OCA President in Tashkent.
Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah OCA President
Sheikh Ahmad with Iran NOC President Dr Seyed Reza Salehi Amiri. Page 11
Inside the OCA
9th OCA Coordination Committee meeting
HISTORIC HOTEL INDONESIA KEMPINSKI HOSTS FINAL OCA CC MEETING FOR 18TH ASIAN GAMES
T
he setting for the ninth and final OCA Coordination Committee (CC) meeting for the 18th Asian Games on May 9 could not have been more fitting – the famous Hotel Indonesia Kempinski.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Indonesian President, His Excellency Mr Joko Widodo. His support made a big difference and brought a great leap to the preparations,” said Mr Takeda.
The five-star hotel was built for the 4th Asian Games in Jakarta in 1962 under the direction of the republic’s founding father and first president, Soekarno, and retains much of its splendour 56 years on.
On the second day of the CC meeting, Chairman Takeda visited Jakarta International Equestrian Park Pulomas – a sport close to his heart as he represented Japan in the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Games in showjumping.
To add to the occasion, the ballroom hosting the CC meeting was transformed into a mini-Asian Games museum with displays of medals and photos and other memorabilia from 1962.
“It is a fantastic building,” he commented, after being shown around the 35-hectare site.
The President of organising committee INASGOC, Mr Erick Thohir, said Hotel Indonesia “stands firm as a symbol of the spirit of friendship and hospitality” of the Indonesian people. “I assure you Indonesia will carry on this legacy from 1962 in our heart and our daily work,” he said.
“I was very impressed with all aspects of the equestrian park – the main competition arena, the grandstand for the spectators, the stables, the offices. It is a very high standard, at international level, and one of the best equestrian centres in South East Asia.”
The meeting was opened by the Vice President of the Republic, HE Jusuf Kalla, who is also Chairman of the INASGOC Steering Committee, in the presence of government ministers and representatives from Jakarta city and South Sumatra province, whose capital is Asian Games co-host city Palembang. Major points of discussion included venue construction, security, traffic management, accreditation and medical and anti-doping procedures, and the meeting identified the priorities for the next three months. In conclusion, OCA CC Chairman Mr Tsunekazu Takeda highlighted the strong support and leadership from the central government.
OCA and INASGOC officials attend the press conference after the CC meeting.
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OCA CC Chairman Mr Tsunekazu Takeda is shown around the Jakarta International Equestrian Park Pulomas.
Inside the OCA
9th OCA Coordination Committee meeting
DR JEGA: ASIAN GAMES CHANGED MY LIFE
W
alking into the Hotel Indonesia Kempinski on OCA business recently brought Asian Games memories flooding back for Malaysia’s popular “Flying Doctor” Mani Jegathesan. Dr Jega, who was in Jakarta to attend the 9th OCA Coordination Committee meeting on May 9, won a gold, silver and bronze medal at the 1962 Asian Games in the Indonesian capital – and says the experience changed his life. “I was an 18-year-old medical student at the time and staying in a bungalow in the Athletes’ Village,” he recalled. “The Hotel Indonesia was built for the Asian Games in 1962 and was the official hotel for all the dignitaries and sports leaders. I remember coming here to see my Chef de Mission but, of course, I was not staying here because I was an athlete. “Now I have my own room here – and it is the highest honour to be back as a member of the OCA Coordination Committee alongside so many esteemed colleagues.” Dr Jega, who is Chairman of the OCA Medical Committee and Anti-Doping Commission, won a bronze in the relay, silver in the
100m and gold in the 200m at the 1962 Asian Games representing Malaya. He remembers well, as a gold medallist, being invited to the presidential palace to meet the first President and founding father of Indonesia, Soekarno, in a special ceremony for the Asian Games champions. “Although there were a lot of us and it would have been understandable if ‘Bung’ Karno had just gone down the line shaking hands, but he looked right through the eyes,” said Dr Jega. “I could imagine how this man could unite 3,000 islands.” Dr Jega added: “The Asian Games in 1962 changed my life, and I am back here 56 years later as a member of the OCA Coordination Committee for the 18th Asian Games. It fulfilled all my aspirations.” Dr Jega told the coordination committee meeting that the Asian Games had the power to change the lives of many young athletes – just like it did to him in 1962.
The Hotel Indonesia Kempinski was built for the 4th Asian Games in 1962 and hosted the 9th OCA Coordination Committee meeting for the 18th Asian Games in 2018 56 years later.
Dr Jega looks back on the 1962 Asian Games in Jakarta.
A silver medal for Dr Jega in the 100m. Page 13
Inside the OCA
OCA PRESIDENT ATTENDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING
T
he OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah, attended the OCA Advisory Committee meeting in Bangkok on April 18, held on the sidelines of the SportAccord Convention. The Advisory Committee, which is comprised of Asian IOC members and chaired by Mr Ng Ser Miang of Singapore, discussed the challenges facing the Olympic movement and other matters, including the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020 strategic roadmap. Members also congratulated the organisers of the Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, Korea, in February for hosting such a successful event to kick off the so-called Asian Olympic hat-trick, as PyeongChang 2018 will be followed by Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022. A presentation on the 18th Asian Games, to be held in Jakarta and Palembang from August 18 to September 2, was made for the benefit of the committee members.
The OCA Advisory Committee meets in Bangkok on April 18.
OCA MEDIA COMMITTEE MEMBER ADDRESSES WORLD PRESS BRIEFING
I
NASGOC, the organising committee of the 18th Asian Games 2018, held the World Press Briefing for 170 delegates at the Hotel Borobudur in Jakarta from April 1-4. Mr Tony Mariadass, a member of the OCA Media Committee from Malaysia, addressed the opening session with a speech on behalf of the OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah. The OCA thanked the media for their long and loyal support of the Asian Games, enabling the event to become the second biggest multi-sport games in the world after the Summer Olympics and earning the respect and admiration of the other four continental associations. The first day of the briefing involved a series of presentations on media operations and services; the second day was a venue tour, taking in the Athletes’ Village, equestrian park, velodrome and Gelora Bung Karno sports complex.
Some of the 170 media delegates on the venue tour.
OCA TO REWARD ENVIRONMENT INITIATIVES The OCA has launched a new award to acknowledge environmental initiatives in the sports movement in Asia. The OCA Sports and Environment Award will be presented at the OCA General Assembly in Jakarta, Indonesia, on August 19. There will be four recipients of the inaugural award, which is being organised by the OCA Environment Committee. Page 14
Environmental projects - by individuals, groups or organisations - must be submitted on an official entry form through NOCs, Asian Federations or other OCArecognised organisations. The deadline for entry is June 15, 2018. Nominations must be submitted to the OCA with a copy to the OCA Environment Committee at: ki72@triathlon.or.kr
Welcome to the 18th Asian Games 2018
INDONESIA READY TO SHOW ‘ENERGY OF ASIA’
F
ifty-six years after hosting the Asian Games for the first time, Indonesia is preparing to welcome the OCA’s premier sporting event in co-host cities Jakarta and Palembang. But the 18th Asian Games 2018 is totally unrecognisable from the 4th Asian Games in 1962 as the Olympic sports movement in Asia has developed rapidly in the intervening years, as has Indonesia.
Palembang was awarded the Asian Games only four years ago after Vietnam withdrew in 2014 due to financial constraints. This allowed for only four years of preparation, instead of the usual six to seven years. However, government at all levels has responded to the rallying call of the President of the Republic, HE Joko Widodo, and has displayed the “Energy of Asia” – official slogan of the 18th Asian Games – to keep the plans on course.
In 1962, 1,545 athletes from 16 National Olympic Committees competed in 13 sports and 88 events. This year, a record 10,000 athletes from 45 NOCs will participate in 40 sports, 67 disciplines and 463 events, plus two demonstration sports which will not count in the official medals tally. It is a huge undertaking by Indonesia, especially as Jakarta-
As Indonesia’s greatest ever athlete, eight-time All England badminton champion Rudy Hartono, says: “I am so happy to see the Asian Games here again. It has taken quite a long time to host this type of multi-sport games and it is very prestigious for Indonesia.” The Secretary-General of organising committee INASGOC, Mr Eris Herryanto, insists the 18th Asian Games will be in safe hands. “I can say that we are now prepared to have the Asian Games,” he said.
18TH ASIAN GAMES 2018 Host cities: Opening Ceremony: Closing Ceremony: Venue: Sports: Disciplines: Events: Medals: Demonstration Sports:
Jakarta and Palembang August 18 September 2 Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium 40 67 463 4,066 2
National Olympic Committees: Athletes: NOC Officials: Volunteers: Slogan: Torch Relay: Route: Participants:
45 10,000 5,000 13,000 Energy of Asia July 15 to August 18 18,000km; 50 cities in 18 provinces 1,000
Indonesian President Joko Widodo shows his support for the 18th Asian Games with the Ambassador of Korea, Kim Chang-beom (left), and the Ambassador of DPR Korea, An Kwang-il, at Merdeka Palace on April 30.
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Welcome to the 18th Asian Games 2018
Erick Thohir gives the media an Asian Games update.
Erick Thohir attends the colourful Asian Games Parade.
ASIAN GAMES PROVIDES INASGOC PRESIDENT ERICK THOHIR WITH BIG
C
onsidering his investment portfolio includes Italian football giants Inter Milan, DC United from Major League Soccer in the United States and the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, Erick Thohir reckons the 18th Asian Games presents the biggest sports challenge of his career. The 48-year-old President of organising committee INASGOC is very much a hands-on leader, and his commitment to the cause and enthusiasm has shone through in the past couple of years as co-host cities Jakarta and Palembang have played catch-up after a slow start. Now, as preparations enter their final stages, Mr Thohir is determined to smooth the rough edges and present a polished gem of an Asian Games that is a credit to Indonesia, Asia and the Olympic sports movement. “I only focus on media and sports – and I only take things on if I enjoy it and if it is something I like,” he says, in explaining his role as the head of INASGOC. “In this way I can come to the office in the morning, hang out with the team and go home late. I knew it would consume all my time – and this is a weakness. Page 16
“From the experience I have in sports business and events, the Asian Games is the biggest I have done. I don’t think anyone in Indonesia has the experience of such a huge event and definitely I have learned a lot of new things that I never imagined.” One of INASGOC’s main priorities is to build a strong legacy from the 18th Asian Games in the same way Indonesia benefited from Jakarta’s hosting of the 4th Asian Games in 1962. “At that time we only had independence for 17 years; we were a young country and our President Soekarno did something that people never imagined,” added Mr Thohir. “The legacy he built included the first TV stations, the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex that we will use 56 years on, a flyover in the city and also the Hotel Indonesia.” Mr Thohir is taking particular pride in the parks and public spaces that are incorporated into venue renovation, especially at the GBK complex in downtown Senayan, and he views the 18th Asian Games as “national branding” for the country’s culture, movie industry and food as well as “character-building” and leadership training for the young generation.
Welcome to the 18th Asian Games 2018
INASGOC President Erick Thohir.
GEST SPORTS CHALLENGE Infrastructure projects include a new Light Rail Transit and expanded airport at Palembang, a new Terminal 3 at the SoekarnoHatta International Airport in Jakarta and a Mass Rapid Transit, which will not be finished in time for the Asian Games but will serve the public for years to come. In the meantime, though, Indonesia’s athletes can play a major role in the success of the 18th Asian Games. The official target is 16 gold medals and a Top 10 finish, while Mr Thohir believes a Top 6 finish in the future will show the sporting legacy of Jakarta-Palembang 2018 – and a healthy return for Indonesia’s investment.
ERICK THOHIR PROFILE Date of Birth: May 30, 1970 Place of Birth: Jakarta Age: 48 Education: MBA, National University (California), 1993 Business: Founder and Chairman, Mahaka Group – a media, sports and entertainment company. International Sports Business 2011: Joined the consortium that bought the NBA Philadelphia 76ers (to 2013) 2012: Became the majority owner of Major League Soccer’s D.C. United. 2013: Acquired a controlling stake of 70 percent in F.C. Internazionale, becoming Inter Milan's 21st President and the Serie A club’s first Asian President. Indonesian Sports Business 2012: Developed Liga Mahasiswa (LIMA), the largest student league in Indonesia. 2016: Acquired the Indonesian Basketball League. Sports Organisations Member, Honorary Board, Indonesian Basketball Association President, Southeast Asia Basketball Association Central Board Member of the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) since Sep. 2014. Indonesian Olympic Committee Chef de Mission, 2012 London Olympics President, Indonesian Olympic Committee since 2015 President, INASGOC
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Welcome to the 18th Asian Games 2018
GREAT EXPECTATIONS: The newly renovated Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium lights up the Jakarta skyline as the Indonesian capital prepares to welcome the 18th Asian Games. The stadium was built for the 4th Asian Games in 1962. The original capacity of 120,000 has dropped to 70,000 due to modifications and an upgrade to a modern, all-seater stadium. The President of the Republic, HE Joko Widodo, inaugurated the renovated GBK Main Stadium on January 14, 2018. It will host the Opening Ceremony on August 18, the athletics competition and the Closing Ceremony on September 2. The new GBK Main Stadium will be the fourth brightest in the world, according to the organising committee, with the power of 3,500 Lux. A normal street light is 15 Lux.
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Welcome to the 18th Asian Games 2018
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Welcome to the 18th Asian Games 2018
Archery at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, Korea, in 2014. There will be eight gold medals in archery at the GBK sports complex.
SPORTS PROGRAMME IN JAKARTA-PALE 1: Aquatics
55
8: Boxing
10
14: Football
2
Artistic Swimming Diving Swimming Water Polo
2 10 41 2
9: Bridge
6
Men Women
1 1
10: Canoe/Kayak
21 15: Golf
4
4 12
16: Gymnastics
18
Artistic Rhythmic Trampoline
14 2 2
17: Handball
2
18: Hockey
2
19: Jet Ski
4
20: Judo
15
21: Kabaddi
2
22: Karate
12
2: Archery
8
3: Athletics
48
Slalom Sprint Traditional/Dragon Boat Race
4: Badminton
7
11: Cycling
22
5: Baseball/Softball
2
Baseball Softball
1 1
BMX Race Mountain Bike Road Race Track
2 4 4 12
6: Basketball
4
12: Equestrian
6
Basketball 5x5 Basketball 3x3
2 2
Dressage Eventing Show Jumping
2 2 2
7: Bowling
6 13: Fencing
12
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5
Welcome to the 18th Asian Games 2018
Shooting at the 17th Asian Games in Incheon, Korea, in 2014, There will be 20 gold medals in shooting at Palembang.
MBANG HIGHLIGHTS UNITY IN DIVERSITY 23: Martial Arts
49
24: Modern Pentathlon 2
34: Table Tennis
5
Ju-jitsu Kurash Pencak Silat Sambo Wushu
8 7 16 4 14
25: Paragliding
6
35: Taekwondo
14
26: Roller Sports
6
36: Tennis
10
Roller Skate Skateboard
2 4
Soft Tennis Tennis
5 5
27: Rowing
15
37: Triathlon
3
28: Rugby Sevens
2
38: Volleyball
4
29: Sailing
10
Volleyball Beach Volleyball
2 2
30: Sepak Takraw
6 39: Weightlifting
15
31: Shooting
20 40: Wrestling
18
32: Sport Climbing
6
33: Squash
4
Wushu at Incheon 2014. There will be 14 wushu gold medals as part of the martial arts programme at Jakarta-Palembang 2018.
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Welcome to the 18th Asian Games 2018
THE GROWTH OF THE ASIAN GAMES FROM 1951 TO 2018
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1st Asian Games New Delhi 1951 NOCs 11 Sports 6, Events 57 Athletes 489
10th Asian Games Seoul 1986 NOCs 37 Sports 25, Events 270 Athletes 4,839
2nd Asian Games Manila, 1954 NOCs 19 Sports 8, Events 76 Athletes 970
11th Asian Games Beijing 1990 NOCs 36 Sports 27, Events 310 Athletes 6,122
3rd Asian Games Tokyo 1958 NOCs 20 Sports 13, Events 97 Athletes 1,422
12th Asian Games Hiroshima 1994 NOCs 42 Sports 34, Events 337 Athletes 6,828
4th Asian Games Jakarta 1962 NOCs 16 Sports 13, Events 88 Athletes 1,545
13th Asian Games Bangkok 1998 NOCs 42 Sports 36, Events 376 Athletes 6,554
5th Asian Games Bangkok 1966 NOCs 18 Sports 14, Events 143 Athletes 1,945
14th Asian Games Busan 2002 NOCs 44 Sports 38, Events 420 Athletes 7,556
6th Asian Games Bangkok 1970 NOCs 18 Sports 13, Events 135 Athletes 2,500
15th Asian Games Doha 2006 NOCs 45 Sports 39, Events 418 Athletes 9,520
7th Asian Games Tehran 1974 NOCs 25 Sports 16, Events 202 Athletes 3,010
16th Asian Games Guangzhou 2010 NOCs 45 Sports 42, Events 476 Athletes 9,704
8th Asian Games Bangkok 1978 NOCs 25 Sports 19, Events 201 Athletes 3,842
17th Asian Games Incheon 2014 NOCs 45 Sports 36, Events 439 Athletes 9,501
9th Asian Games New Delhi 1982 NOCs 33 Sports 21, Events 147 Athletes 4,595
18th Asian Games Jakarta-Palembang 2018 NOCs 45 Sports 40, Events 463 Athletes 10,000
OCA’s Asian Games Fun Run Series
Jumping for joy at the Fun Run in Macau, China on March 25, when 1,000 students took part. (Photo: Sports and Olympic Committee of Macau, China)
OCA’S FUN RUN SERIES UNITES ASIA
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rom Manama to Muscat and from Bac Ninh to Beirut, the OCA’s Fun Run Series to promote the 18th Asian Games has united and captivated the continent. The National Olympic Committees throughout the five zones of the OCA have truly embraced the Fun Run concept and attracted participants of all ages for a memorable day of community spirit, family bonding and friendship. “We are delighted with how the NOCs have supported the Fun Run Series,” says the OCA President, HE Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah.
“Not only have the Fun Runs promoted the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang to a new generation, they have also contributed to a healthy and active lifestyle for all ages.” With over 30 stops on the Fun Run Series, the NOCs have been free to design their own T-shirts, banners and backdrops, while the OCA has provided medals and certificates to present at the post-run awards ceremony. “It has been a great team effort,” added the OCA President. “The OCA and NOCs have come together to celebrate the Asian Games in particular and the Olympic Movement in general – and had fun all along the way.”
ASIAN GAMES FUN RUN SCHEDULE 2017 December 7: Lahore, Pakistan December 11: Dhaka, Bangladesh 2018 Dubai, United Arab February 4: Emirates Doha, Qatar February 8: February 13: Manama, Bahrain February 25: Beirut, Lebanon Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka March 2: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia March 4: Bac Ninh, Vietnam March 11:
March 25: April 7: April 10: April 15: April 22: April 25: May 1: May 3: May 5: May 7: May 13: May 20:
Macau, China Punakha, Bhutan Kathmandu, Nepal Muscat, Oman Almaty, Kazakhstan Dushanbe, Tajikistan Pyongyang, DPR Korea Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan Yilan, Chinese Taipei Phnom Penh, Cambodia Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia Hangzhou, China
June 17: June 21: June 23: June 23: June 26-28: July 1: July July July July July
Bangkok, Thailand Tehran, Iran Isfahan, Iran Dili, Timor-Leste Baghdad, Iraq Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia 7: Amman, Jordan 7: Nagoya, Japan 12: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 15: New Delhi, India 20-21: Male, Maldives
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OCA visits DPR Korea
OCA VISITS DPR KOREA F
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he OCA broke new ground in Pyongyang, capital of DPR Korea, on Tuesday, May 1 by holding a Fun Run to promote the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia. The Indonesian Ambassador to DPRK, Mr Bambang Heindrasto, is welcomed to the Fun Run by DPRK NOC Vice President Mr Won Kil U.
It was the first time the DPR Korea Olympic Committee had joined the Fun Run programme since its inception in 2006, and the event marked the OCA’s first visit to Pyongyang since November 2011. The 200 runners included Olympic weightlifting champions Om Yun Chol (men’s -56kg, London 2012) and Rim Jong Sim (women’s -69kg, London 2012 and -75kg, Rio 2016) and athletes from a variety of sports such as gymnastics, swimming and table tennis.
A group of athletes attend the Fun Run.
With the participation of the Indonesian Ambassador to DPRK, Mr Bambang Heindrasto, along with 30 embassy staff and family, as well as representatives from the Mongolian and Russian diplomatic missions, there was an international celebration of sport and the Olympic spirit on this national holiday. “Today, amidst huge attention of many people, including the local community, we held a successful 18th Asian Games Official Fun Run,” said the Vice President of the DPRK Olympic Committee, Mr Won Kil U.
Athletes line up for the start of the Fun Run in their official white OCA/INASGOC/DPRK T-shirts. Page 24
OCA visits DPR Korea
FOR FUN RUN FESTIVITIES “On behalf of the DPR Korea Olympic Committee I would like to thank the Olympic Council of Asia and all the people concerned for their assistance in the success of this Fun Run.” Mr Won said that, although the distance was not long, the Fun Run had strengthened friendship and “clearly showed a part of our people’s lives – leading a life helping and assisting others”.
Three athletes stand under the OCA crest.
He added: “Through this Fun Run, many people were able to become aware of the 18th Asian Games. It helped raise the social awareness of these Games and encouraged the athletes and coaches. “It also demonstrated clearly our steadfast will for making our country a world leading sports power in the near future under the wise leadership of the respected Supreme Leader, Comrade Kim Jong Un.”
Medal presenters in their colouful traditional Korean dress.
The event started with an Opening Ceremony outside the Weightlifting Hall at 9.30am and official T-shirt handover before the runners followed a 5km route along Chongchun Street in the Sports Village, passing several of the gymnasiums and sports centres which accommodate the national athletes.
The Fun Run attracted many local and international media. Page 25
OCA visits DPR Korea
A coach watches over the new members of the diving team.
A tram passes by Kim Il Sung Square.
A view from the top of Juche Tower.
A visit to the Pyongyang Metro.
DPRK NOC PROVIDES OCA WITH FASCINATING INSI
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he OCA’s visit to Pyongyang from April 28 to May 3 was about more than the Asian Games Fun Run – much more. Thanks to the hospitality of the DPR Korea Olympic Committee, the two OCA delegates were given an insight into the training of elite athletes as well as the rich history and culture of the country. After flying to Pyongyang from Beijing on Saturday, April 28, the OCA representatives were greeted by NOC Secretary Mr Ri Un Chol and NOC member Mr O Kwang Hyok, a former wrestler Page 26
with the April 25 army club, and taken to the Sosan Hotel. Located in a green and serene woodland area on the outskirts of the city, the Sosan Hotel is used by the NOC for visiting sports delegations as it is close to an array of sports stadiums and gymnasiums on Chongchun Street. Mr Ko Chol Ho, NOC Secretary General, made a courtesy call to the hotel on Sunday morning and discussed the preparations for the 18th Asian Games Fun Run on May 1, and the press conference scheduled for the morning of Monday, April 30.
OCA visits DPR Korea
Colourful art inside the Metro station.
School children greet the OCA delegation on a visit to Mangyongdae - birthplace of Kim Il Sung.
The Arch of Triumph.
The Kim Il Sung Stadium.
NSIGHT INTO ELITE SPORTS SYSTEM, CITY LANDMARKS Regarding the 18th Asian Games in Indonesia this summer, Mr Ko said: “We are preparing to send a huge delegation. We have submitted the names of over 300 athletes, coaches and team officials at the initial stage, and the final delegation will be between 250 and 300. “We will be competing in around 19 or 20 sports and are aiming for 15 to 20 gold medals in sports such as shooting, gymnastics, weightlifting, football, wrestling and judo. The Asian Games will be a good opportunity to exchange with people from other countries.”
The hosts provided an action-packed schedule, with visits to training sessions at the table tennis gym, swimming and diving complex and the weightlifting hall at Sports Village on Chongchun Street. The city tours took in the Arch of Triumph, Kim Il Sung Square, Tower of Juche Idea, the birthplace of Kim Il Sung at Mangyongdae, the city Metro and railway station, Kim Il Sung football stadium and the national stamp museum.
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NOC Elections and General Assembly Meetings
MONGOLIA NOC APPROVES KENDO FEDERATION
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he Annual General Assembly of Mongolia NOC was held on March 28 in the capital Ulaanbaatar. NOC members discussed and approved the activities and financial reports for 2017 as well as the Audit Commission reports. The General Assembly also approved the 2018 plan and budget. In other business, the General Assembly approved the Mongolian Kendo Federation as a member federation and welcomed new members from fencing, canoe, pentathlon and surfing. The members showed their support to organise in 2018 the 50th anniversary of the first-ever Olympic medals won by Mongolians and the 10th anniversary of the first-ever Olympic gold medals.
Mongolia NOC General Assembly.
MALDIVES NOC VISITS GOIDHOO ISLAND FOR GENERAL ASSEMBLY
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he Maldives Olympic Committee organised its Annual General Assembly at Baa Atoll Goidhoo on April 21, the first time it has been held outside the capital Male.
of dedicated NGOs involved in supporting recreation and sport. Over the years, B. Goidhoo has won several championships in athletics, football and volleyball.
Goidhoo is an island with a very active sports community and a group
As a final event of the AGA, the participants competed in an obstacle race that included various activities such as swimming, cycling, a sack race, shooting a basketball, Bashi (a traditional Maldivian sport), serving the volleyball and paddle boarding. The obstacle race concluded with a 1,000m run. Afterwards, members also enjoyed playing a number of sports with B. Goidhoo teams, including badminton, volleyball, handball, basketball, table tennis, chess and cricket. All participants pledged to reduce their environmental impact by using environment friendly reusable bags. After the conclusion of the meeting, MOC Executive Committee members laid the foundation stone for the Goidhoo Olympic Skate Park at the premises of B. Goidhoo skating park. MOC will provide a subsidy of 200,000 Maldivian Rufiyaa to construct the park.
General Assembly attendees took part in a series of sports activities.
The meeting also included a segment where all 17 member associations gifted B. Goidhoo school various sports equipment.
SURESH SUBRAMANIAM WINS SRI LANKA NOC VOTE FOR PRESIDENT
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uresh Subramaniam has been elected President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, reports News1st. He received 18 votes over the other contestant, Rohan Fernando, who received 12 votes.
Suresh Subramaniam (Photo: Sunday Leader). Page 28
is with utmost cordiality we acknowledge that the AGM and the Election of Office Bearers of the NOC Sri Lanka were held peacefully, honourably and without any discrimination under the supervision and direction of the impartial Election Commission and the IOC. Our warm wishes for newly elected officials!� The newly elected officials are:
The election took place on February 23 for the first time in nine years. The previous President, Mr Hemasiri Fernando, did not seek another term in office.
President, Mr. Surendran Subramaniam (newly elected); Secretary General, Mr. Totabaddage Maxwell Priyantha Nimal de Silva; Vice Presidents, 1. Mr. Joseph Benedict Kenny Adutharai Kattar, 2. Maj. General (Rtd) Waduge Palitha Piyasiri Fernando, 3. Senior DIG (Rtd) Edirisinghe Arachchige Sumith Edirisinghe (newly elected), 4. Mr. Asanga Chandana Seneviratne (newly elected).
Meanwhile, Maxwell De Silva was re-elected Secretary General of the NOC.
Treasurer, Mr. Senaka Clement Ranasinghe (newly elected); Assistant Secretary, Mr. Chandana Bamunusinghe Liyanage (newly elected); Assistant Treasurer, Mr. Nishantha Dayan de Silva Jayasinghe (newly elected); Committee members, 1. Mr. Appuhennadhi Thota Hewage Chanaka Hashantha (newly elected), 2. Mr. Fazil Mohamed Hussain (newly elected), 3. Mr. Warnakulasuriya Ajith Thamel (newly elected).
Writing on their Facebook page, Sri Lanka NOC said: “It
NOC Elections and General Assembly Meetings
UZBEKISTAN FOOTBALL PRESIDENT BECOMES NOC HEAD
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he President of the Uzbekistan Football Federation, Umid Ahmadjonov, has been elected President of Uzbekistan NOC, reports the Tashkent Times. He replaces Alisher Sultanov, chairman of JSC UzbekNefteGaz, who was in charge since January 2017. An extraordinary general meeting and election of the NOC was held in Tashkent on January 16 and was attended by the Prime Minister, Abdulla Aripov, and the Chairman of the Committee for Sports, Rustam Kurbanov. The newly elected Vice Presidents of the NOC are Alisher Sultanov, Salim Abduvaliev, Oybek Kasymov and Murodjon Azimov, with Jasur Matchanov elected as Secretary General of the NOC.
Uzbekistan NOC President Umid Ahmadjonov.
Speaking at the meeting, Ahmadjonov promised to develop Olympic sports in Uzbekistan. "I will do my best to live up to the trust and, together, we will develop the Olympic disciplines and achieve good results at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics".
IOC MEMBER SHAIKH KHALID CHAIRS OMAN NOC GA
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he Oman Olympic Committee held its ordinary General Assembly for 2018 under the chairmanship of IOC member Shaikh Khalid bin Muhammad al Zubair at the OOC premises on Sunday, March 25 in the presence of all General Assembly members. The agenda included seven items: approving the minutes of the electoral General Assembly held on January 31, 2017
board member to represent the athletes, in accordance with the IOC’s recommendation discussing suggestions made by General Assembly members, according to the constitution. Dr Said al Shuhri, Chairman of the Oman Handball Association, called for unifying the uniforms of national teams in overseas competitions to reflect the culture and heritage of the Sultanate.
presentation of the 2017 annual report and draft plan for 2018 reviewing the final accounts of the past financial year and approving the auditor’s report selecting an auditor for 2018 discussing the budget for 2018 approving the board’s decision to include Khalifa bin Hamad al Jabri, a member of the Oman Athletes’ Committee, as an OOC
The OOC General Assembly 2018 (Photo: Oman Daily Observer)
MACAU NOC LOOKS AHEAD TO 18TH ASIAN GAMES
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fter an eventful 2017, the Sports and Olympic Committee of Macau, China, is looking to maintain this momentum at the 18th Asian Games in 2018.
“We want to continue this form into the Asian Games this year,” said Mr Lo, who is Chairman of the OCA Media Committee and a member of the OCA Executive Board.
The National Olympic Committee of Macau, China held its General Assembly at the Wynn Macau on Friday, March 23.
“We will be taking part in 16 sports at the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang, Indonesia, and we hope for good results from all our athletes.”
The meeting was followed by a banquet dinner attended by leading officials from the NOC, the Sports Bureau of the Macau SAR Government, led by the Sports Bureau President, Mr Pun Weng Kun, and representatives of national sport federations. The President of Macau NOC, Mr Charles Lo, thanked the Sports Bureau for its support of Macau NOC’s participation in two major OCA events in 2017 – the 8th Asian Winter Games in Sapporo, Japan, and the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Mr Lo said that not only did Macau win a bronze medal at the 5th AIMAG – in dance sport – but several swimmers set personal best times and Macau records.
The General Assembly approved various reports from 2017, including NOC events and activities, participation in international competition and finances.
Macau NOC President Charles Lo gives his speech at the banquet dinner.
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NOC Elections and General Assembly Meetings
VARGAS LEADS A NEW ERA IN PHILIPPINE SPORTS
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oxing chief Ricky Vargas clinched the presidency of the Philippine Olympic Committee in elections at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Manila on Friday, February 23. Vargas, head of the Association of Boxing Alliances in the Philippines, unseated Jose “Peping” Cojuangco Jr. by a wide margin, ending Cojuangco’s reign as the country’s sports big boss since 2004. Vargas received 24 votes from the 43 national sports associations who participated in the polls, while the 83-year-old Cojuangco unexpectedly earned the nod of only 15 voters. Cycling chief and Cavite representative Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, who ran under the Vargas ticket, was named POC Chairman after defeating table tennis president Ting Ledesma, 23-15. According to Vargas, the first order of the day as POC chief would be
The new President of the POC, Ricky Vargas (right). to go all out for the athletes and push for a successful campaign at the Asian Games in August and next year’s hosting of the Southeast Asian Games.
SALEHI AMIRI BECOMES 11TH IRAN NOC PRESIDENT
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eza Salehi Amiri has been elected unopposed as the 11th President of the National Olympic Committee of the Islamic Republic of Iran, reports the Tehran Times. N.O.C.I.R.IRAN
He previously served as Acting Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs from August to October 2013.
In the election, which was attended by the Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Masoud Soltanifar, in the Tehran Olympic Academy on Monday, January 15, Salehi Amiri succeeded Kioomars Hashemi. He was the only candidate running for the post. Tahereh Taherian and Fazlollah Bagherzadeh were appointed as Salehi Amiri's deputies, replacing Robab Shahrian and Alireza Dabir. Following two rounds of votes, Shahrokh Shahnaz was re-elected as the NOC's Secretary General. Salehi Amiri is an Iranian politician and academic, and the former Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance and President of National Library of Iran.
Iran NOC President Reza Salehi Amiri.
BAHRAIN GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES BOC’S 2018 CALENDAR
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he 2018 programme of the Bahrain Olympic Committee was approved at its ordinary General Assembly attended by representatives of 28 national sport federations on May 30. Some of the most anticipated events on the BOC calendar are Olympic Day on June 22, the 18th Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang,
Indonesia, from August 18-September 2 and the first International Physical Literacy Conference from September 9-11. Other events confirmed for 2018 are the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina from October 6-18, the 37th OCA General Assembly on August 19 in Jakarta, the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees Conference on November 28-29 and the Olympic Park launch on December 2. Staged at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Manama, the General Assembly also discussed proposals presented by the Bahrain Handball Association and Bahrain Cycling Association. The handball association proposed a standard third colour for national teams, after red and white, to be worn at regional and international competitions.
The Bahrain NOC General Assembly. Page 30
The cycling association requested a dedicated race track, a continuation of the Talent Identification Programme, the hosting of an international race and submitting a recommendation to the Ministry of Youth and Sports to raise financial allocations to cycling clubs.
NOC Elections and General Assembly Meetings
AFGHANISTAN NOC ELECTS HAFEEZ WALI RAHIMI AS PRESIDENT
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he Afghanistan Olympic Committee elected Hafeez Wali Rahimi as its new President after he beat the only other candidate, Zia Dashti, in an OCA-supervised election in Kabul on Thursday, April 5, reports 1TVNews.af. Rahimi won the seat by a margin of one vote as he secured 16 out of 31 total votes. Rahimi, who is also Director of Sports and Physical Education, said he would focus on resolving existing problems facing sport in the country. “We will work with our team with all due diligence to provide all the facilities we have and to serve the country's sport," Rahimi was quoted as saying by Tolo News. Mr Haider Farman, Director of the Olympic Council of Asia’s Asian Games department, said the OCA was ready for any kind of sports cooperation and assistance with Afghanistan. In other news, the Afghanistan Olympic Committee elected Bawar Hotak as first deputy and Robina Jalali as second deputy on women’s affairs.
The election for president of Afghanistan NOC was held in Kabul.
BADMINTON CHIEF NORZA TAKES OVER AS MALAYSIA NOC PRESIDENT
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he Olympic Council of Malaysia held their 37th General Assembly and election of office-bearers for the term 20182021 on Saturday, May 5. Mr Norza Zakaria was elected unopposed as President, succeeding HRH Tunku Imran, and Mr Nazif Najib took over from Dato’ Low Beng Choo as Secretary General after a close election with 49 votes to 48. Norza, who is also President of the Badminton Association of Malaysia, has placed emphasis on the Asian Games after an average haul of seven gold medals, five silver and 12 bronze medals at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games this year. “My management style is open and transparent. If there’s a change, we do it and we don’t hide,” he said.
The new OCM President, Mr Norza Zakaria (Photo: ISN)
SINGAPORE NOC RE-ELECTS TAN CHUAN-JIN AS PRESIDENT
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r Tan Chuan-Jin was re-elected unanimously as the President of the Singapore National Olympic Council (SNOC) at its Annual General Meeting held at Raffles Town Club on Tuesday, June 5. Mr Tan stood unopposed and will be serving his second term as President from 2018-2022. Four Vice Presidents were also elected to the Executive Committee unopposed: Mr Milan Kwee, Dr Benedict Tan, Dr Tan Eng Liang and Mrs Jessie Phua. Nonetheless, voting was required as a change in the SNOC constitution in 2016 to propose a staggered term of tenure took effect this term. The change allows for continuity and to prevent a change of all four Vice Presidents at one AGM. The two Vice Presidents with the most votes will serve a four-year term while the two Vice Presidents with the fewest votes will serve two years until 2020. Mr Kwee and Dr Benedict Tan will serve until 2022 and Dr Tan Eng Liang and Mrs Phua will serve until 2020. Mr Tan paid tribute to Ms Annabel Pennefather and Mr Low Teo Ping, who did not stand for re-election, for serving the SNOC as Vice Presidents and in other capacities.
SNOC President Mr Tan Chuan-Jin paid tribute to outgoing Vice Presidents Mr Low Teo Ping (left) and Ms Annabel Pennefather. Page 31
Women in Sport NICOL TEAMS UP WITH PWC MALAYSIA TO ESTABLISH FOUNDATION
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alaysian squash star Nicol David announced on her Facebook page that PwC Malaysia has been appointed as the strategic advisor to establish the Nicol David Foundation. “It has always been my dream to give back what I have received through squash,” said Nicol. The Nicol David Foundation aims to create, fund and support programmes to improve the lives of disadvantaged children by providing them with the knowledge and confidence to choose and determine their life’s path. Using sports to empower these children, it will teach them discipline and routine, a commitment to a cause and an aspiration to better themselves. “I have no doubt that this strategic collaboration with PwC will be the start of great things to come and I look forward to the Nicol David Foundation coming to fruition in 2019,” added Nicol.
With PwC Malaysia Consulting Leader Andrew Chan (left), Managing Partner Sridharan (Sri) Nair, Tax Leader Jagdev Singh and Executive Director Paul Francis.
BADMINTON HONOUR FOR SAWSAN TAQAWI
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ahrain Badminton and Squash Federation President Sawsan Taqawi has become President of the Arab Badminton Federation. The decision was announced after the ABF General Assembly held at Hani Royal Suite in Juffair, Bahrain, in April. Representatives of 10 countries out of 13 that are under the umbrella of the ABF were present at the meeting – Bahrain, Sudan, Jordan, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Egypt, Palestine, Morocco and Lebanon. Iraq, Tunisia and Mauritania were unable to attend. After Taqawi was declared President for the next four-year term, she presented her plan to develop badminton in the Arab region. Sawsan Taqawi, the new President of the Arab Badminton Federation.
This included a strategy to promote sponsorship and investment through a number of initiatives, in addition to her view to empower women by organising programmes for women in the region.
Malaysia’s two-time Olympic diving medallist Pandelela Rinong reports: “Finally, after much anticipation, I am so excited to inform you that my website Https://pandelela.my/ is finally up and ready to launch. Go check it out.”
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Women in Sport
QATARI WOMEN WIN FIRST RUGBY TITLE
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atar won the first West Asian Women’s Rugby Championship held in Lebanon with the participation of Syria and Lebanon. The Qatari women beat Lebanon 12-7 in the final to record the historic first success for women's rugby in Qatar. The first edition of the event was deemed a big success, and it is planned to hold the tournament annually to build up women’s rugby in the region. Yousif Jahm Al-Kuwari, President of the Qatar Rugby, Hockey and Cricket Federation, praised the achievements of the team in winning their first international title. (www.olympic.qa)
The successful women’s rugby team of Qatar.
NG POTS TOP HONG KONG AWARD FOR SECOND TIME
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nooker player Ng On-yee was named Samsung Sports Star of the Year for a second time at the Samsung 2017 Hong Kong Sports Stars Awards held at the Grand Hall of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai on March 27. She first won the prestigious award in 2015 and added a second title thanks to a trophy-filled 2017 in individual and team competitions. The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China received a total of 133 nominations from 49 National Sports Associations for this year’s Awards, which are regarded as the “Oscars” of Hong Kong sport and have become one of the highlights of the calendar. (www.hkolympic.org)
Ng On-yee won the award for the second time.
IRANIAN SHARPSHOOTER WINS WORLD CUP GOLD IN MUNICH
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ran NOC reported on a famous victory for hot shot Elaheh Ahmadi, who won the women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol in Munich, Germany, from May 22-29. The 35-year-old shooter, who was ranked 81st in the world, won her first World Cup gold medal with a total of 455.4 points, 1.3 ahead of China’s Chen Dongqi (454.1) in second place. Zhang Binbin, also from China, was third with 444 points. Ahmadi’s best result before this Munich triumph was a thirdplace finish in 2010 at the ISSF World Cup in Beijing.
Iran’s Elaheh Ahmadi. Page 33
Asia’s Olympic Era…Tokyo 2020…Beijing 2022
TOKYO 2020 MARATHON COURSE TO TAKE IN ICONIC CITY LANDMARKS
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okyo 2020 announced the routes for the marathon and for the 20km and 50km race walk events on May 31.
Note: The marathon will start and finish at the new Olympic Stadium. (www.tokyo2020.org)
These will pass through the heart of Tokyo – the world's largest metropolitan area with a population of nearly 35 million – and take in some of the capital's most iconic landmarks. These will include: * Kaminarimon ("Thunder Gate") in Asakusa, guarded by the deities of wind and thunder * Imperial Palace, the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan *
Ginza's upmarket Chuo Street
* Zojoji temple, with the landmark Tokyo Tower as a backdrop * Nihombashi bridge, the historic centre of the Japanese capital
The marathon will provide a spectacular backdrop for TV viewers around the world.
BEIJING HOSTS PYEONGCHANG WINTER OLYMPICS DEBRIEF
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eijing 2022 hosted the PyeongChang 2018 Debrief in the first week of June as Winter Olympics attention switches to China.
the reduction of costs in order to deliver a ‘fantastic, extraordinary and excellent’ Games,” Cai said.
More than 600 representatives from the IOC, International Paralympic Committee, PyeongChang 2018, Beijing 2022, Tokyo 2020, Paris 2024, National Olympic Committees, International Federations, sponsors and broadcasters attended the two-day meeting.
(http://www.beijing2022.cn)
Cai Qi, President of Beijing 2022, said Beijing would take the Debrief as a new starting point and work to integrate Olympic Agenda 2020 and the “New Norm” into their preparations. “We are committed to delivering a ‘Green, Inclusive, Open and Clean’ Olympic Winter Games and will attach even more importance to sustainability, legacy, international cooperation and Page 34
Beijing 2022 President Cai Qi.
Obituary
MONGOLIA NOC MOURNS PASSING OF VP TS. DAMDIN
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he Mongolian National Olympic Committee reported the death of its Vice President, Tsendiin Damdin, at the age of 60. Paying tribute, the governing body said Ts. Damdin was an “influential leader” in sport and in the Olympic movement. An accomplished athlete, he won a judo silver medal in the men's 65kg class at the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games. Ts. Damdin also won a World Championship title in sambo in Barcelona in 1979, and earned the high title of 'falcon' in Mongolian national wrestling. Ts. Damdin served as NOC Vice President since 2005 and was
Secretary General between 1999 and 2004. He was also Secretary General of the Mongolian Judo Federation, an international referee for the International Judo Federation and a coach for the country's national team. In addition, he held the seat of professor at the Mongolian National University of Physical Education and Sports. Ts. Damdin was the father of three children, including judoka son D. Suldbayar, who competed at the Athens 2004 Olympics.
PAU MA CHONG, SPORTS PIONEER IN MACAU One of Macau’s sports pioneers and leaders, Pau Ma Chong, has passed away at the age of 90. Mr Pau was Vice Chairman of the General Assembly of the Sports and Olympic Committee of Macau, China. He was very active in sports all his life, first as a player and then as a manager and leader. He represented Macau in basketball and later devoted himself to sports Pau Ma Chong development, notably in football, (Photo: Oriental Daily) basketball and volleyball. Mr Pau was well known and admired for his honesty, forthright opinion and straight-talking which enabled him to
DIG I.T. CANAGARATNAM, NOC SRI LANKA Sri Lanka NOC announced the passing of the former President of the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, DIG I.T. Canagaratnam (Retired), in January. “It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing away of DIG I.T. Canagaratnam (Retired), who was President of the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation from 1994 to 1998 and from 2001 to 2004,” said Sri Lanka NOC on its Facebook page. “He was also a member of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka from 1994 to 2013. May his soul rest in peace.”
“get to the point” of issues at hand. He was a committee member of the following organisations: Preparatory Committee of the Macau Special Administrative Region. Macau Sports Council Macau Basic Law Consultative Committee Mr Pau received the Roll of Honour (Sports) in 1993 by the government of Portuguese Macau and again by the government of the Macau Special Administrative Region of the PRC in 2002. “The passing of Mr Pau is a deep loss to the Macau sports community. His spirit of devotion to sport inspired the younger generation and he set an example for others to follow,” said Mr Charles Lo, President of Macau NOC.
JIGJID MUNKHBAT, MONGOLIA’S OLYMPIC SILVER MEDALLIST The Mongolian Olympic Committee reports that Jigjid Munkhbat, a three-time Olympian in freestyle wrestling and Mongolia’s first silver medal-winner at the Mexico 1968 Olympic Games, has passed away at the age of 77 in the capital Ulaanbaatar. Mr Jigjid was a former head coach of the national team. He was also the first recipient of the IOC Trophy in 1994, as well as the recipient of the National Hero and Merited Athlete titles by Mongolia – the highest distinction in the country. His son, Munkhbat Davaajargal, better known as Hakuho, is the all-time record-holder in Japanese professional sumo with 40 tournament victories and also the Olympic Ambassador of Team Mongolia for Tokyo 2020. Page 35
OCA Diary
2018 Jakarta, Indonesia: August 18 OCA Executive Board meeting
Bhubaneswar, India: Nov 26 – Dec 16 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup
Jakarta-Palembang, Indonesia: Aug18 – Sep 2 18th Asian Games
Tokyo, Japan: November 26 – 27 Meetings of ANOC Commissions and Working Groups
Jakarta, Indonesia: August 19 37th OCA General Assembly, Mulia Hotel Changwon, Korea: August 31– September 14 ISSF 2018 World Shooting Championships
Tokyo, Japan: November 27 ANOC Executive Council Tokyo, Japan: November 27 Olympic Solidarity Commission meeting
Tokyo, Japan: September 5 – 7 IOC-ANOC NOCs’ Olympic Marketing Seminar
Tokyo, Japan: November 28 – 29 XXIII ANOC General Assembly
Chengdu, China: September 28 – 30 ITTF Women’s Table Tennis World Cup
Tokyo, Japan: November 28 ANOC Awards 2018
Japan: September 29 – October 20 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Championships
Tokyo, Japan: November 30 – December 1 IOC Executive Board meeting
Buenos Aires, Argentina: October 3 – 4 IOC Executive Board meeting
Hangzhou, China: December 11 – 16 FINA World Short Course (25m) Swimming Championships
Buenos Aires, Argentina: October 5 – 6 IOC Olympism in Action Forum
2019
Buenos Aires, Argentina: October 6 – 18 IOC 3rd Summer Youth Olympic Games
UAE: January 5 – February 1 AFC Asian Cup
Buenos Aires, Argentina: October 8 – 9 133rd IOC Session
Sakhalin, Russia: February 8 – 17 1st Children of Asia Winter International Sports Games
Beijing, China: October 24 – 25 Second WADA Global Education Conference Doha, Qatar: October 25 – November 3 FIG 48th Artistic Gymnastics World Championships New Delhi, India: November 15 – 24 AIBA Women’s World Boxing Championships
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Kathmandu, Nepal: March 9 – 18 13th South Asian Games San Diego, USA: October 10 – 15 1st ANOC World Beach Games